Rock mass weathering and weathering classification for eskipazar yellow travertines [Eskipazar sari{dotless} travertenleri için kütlesel bozunma ve bozunma s1n1flamasi{dotless}]

Travertine,which is a type of chemical sedimentary rock and is composed of calcium carbonate,has a relatively recent formation age when compared to most rocks. nevertheless,weathering in travertines may be quite effective in short time span due to their physical structures and chemical compositions. despite the intensive use in building stone market,the weathering of travertine in rock mass scale has not been investigated yet. in this study,the eskipazar yellow travertine having an intensive usage in travertine industry in turkey as well as employed in the construction of an1tkabir is selected as study material. the weathering mechanism of the yellow travertines is revealed through observational studies and mass measurements on exposures with different degrees of weathering in the field. as a consequence of these studies,an objective and practical weathering classification is proposed by preparing descriptive criteria. accordingly,four different weathering classes - fresh,slightly weathered,moderately weathered and highly weathered - are distinguished for the yellow travertines in rock mass scale. it is thought that the,proposed classification for the yellow travertines will guide new researches on this rock in marble industry and weathering studies including the entire travertine types.